• Zapp awarded two European patents for sector-transforming i300 electric urban motorcycle innovations ahead of customer deliveries later this year
• Patents received for unique Z-shaped exoskeleton and removable front fenders
• Exoskeleton endows i300 with unique combination of step-through scooter convenience and motorcycle performance and handling whilst enhancing sustainability and manufacturability
• Removable fenders unlock near-unlimited colourway personalisation options

Zapp Electric Vehicles Group Limited (NASDAQ: ZAPP) (“Zapp” or the “Company”), owner of a UK-based, high-performance two-wheeler electric vehicle brand, today announced it has been granted European patents for two components of its i300 electric urban motorcycle, which it anticipates will be ready for its first customer deliveries later this year.

The recognition from the European Patent Office relates to the i300’s Z-shaped exoskeleton and removable front fender. The grant of the patents highlights the innovative nature of the technology developed by Zapp to support the brand’s strategic vision, which encompasses the highest standards of design, performance, sustainability, manufacturing, and customer experience.

Zapp i300 exoskeleton

Zapp’s distinctive exoskeleton consists of two single-piece Z-shaped anodised aluminium components mounted on an underbone. It delivers a revolution in motorcycle chassis technology, and is central to the i300’s unique ability to combine the performance and dynamic handling of a motorbike with the step-through convenience of a scooter. The exoskeleton also endows the brand with its award-winning design language.

The fully recyclable Zapp exoskeleton solution provides numerous technical, sustainability, and commercial benefits. The two single-piece Z-shaped exoskeleton components replace a conventional-styled frame, which uses multiple connected tubes and welding points, allowing the vehicle to have a lower centre of gravity and lower weight, enhancing both handling and safety. The exoskeleton reduces the number of assembly components and also frees up space under the seat for storage. The Company believes the exoskeleton provides an ideal platform on which to base additional models and derivatives without significant additional investment.

Zapp i300 European Patents

Zapp’s second European patented component is the i300’s removable front fender, which brings a unique, almost infinite range of colourway personalisation options to the two-wheel sector for the first time. At any point after purchasing their i300, customers will be able to have the front fenders removed and replaced with new items in a colour of their choice. The personalisation upgrade will be carried out by an authorised ‘Zapper’ who will come to the customer’s home or workplace in a branded Zapp van, and perform the exchange. Going forwards, Zapp plans to collaborate with artists and leading cultural figures to create limited colourway collections.

The European patents (EP4058343 – ‘A seat-supporting structure for mounting on a motorcycle frame’ and EP4051563 – ‘Front fairing for a scooter’) further reinforce the world-class technology and design credentials of Zapp and its debut product, the i300 Carbon, which is now available to pre-order on Zapp’s website www.zappev.com.

Swin Chatsuwan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zapp said: “The notification of not one but two European patents is enormously gratifying for Zapp and proves the innovative nature of the technology and design underpinning the brand’s i300 electric urban motorcycle. Our exoskeleton transforms two-wheeled chassis technology and is key to endowing the zero-emission i300 with the convenience of a step-though scooter and the dynamic performance of a larger motorcycle.

“Zapp’s patented removable front fenders will also revolutionise the two-wheeled vehicle category by offering customers a range of colourway personalisation options previously the exclusive domain of the supercar and hypercar sectors. The exoskeleton and the removable front fender are pivotal to Zapp’s determination to transform the two-wheeler segment with superbly designed, technically advanced, zero-emission, fun-to-ride products. However, these are just two of more than sixty novel technical aspects of the i300, which will further amplify the product’s considerable customer appeal as we move towards first deliveries commencing later this year.”

The post Zapp i300 Electric Urban Motorcycle Secures Twin Patents appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

• Zapp i300 Carbon Launch Edition, with its innovative exoskeleton design, is a high-performance urban electric motorcycle offering a unique blend of superbike specifications and scooter agility
• Production is limited to 1,000 units globally, and each vehicle comes with premium features – a carbon fibre fender, diamond cut wheels, red rear spring, Union Jack decal, carbon hard carrier, and a commemorative plaque with the founder’s signature
• Now available to pre-order on Zapp’s new website (www.zappev.com) featuring a high-definition 3D configurator for customers to personalise their i300
• Combined with the flagship Paris Zapp store, the new website marks the rollout of Zapp’s innovative drop-ship-direct-to-customer (DSDTC) sales model
• Zapp’s DSDTC model is designed to provide customers with freedom and choice over how they experience, build and purchase their i300 and future Zapp vehicles

Zapp i300 Carbon Launch Edition

The i300 Carbon Launch Edition is designed and built with premium specifications, featuring unique carbon fibre fender, diamond cut wheels, a red rear spring, carbon hard carrier and a commemorative plaque with the founder’s signature. Just 1,000 units will be built.

Today also sees the launch of the new Zapp e-commerce website (www.zappev.com) which features a high-definition 3D configurator for customers to explore and build the i300, as well as order their bike.

In combination with Zapp’s boutique-style Paris flagship store, the new website marks the rollout of Zapp’s innovative drop-ship-direct-to-customer (DSDTC) sales model, which offers customers more control over how they build and order their i300, online or in-store. A “Zapper”, a franchised and trained technician, in a Zapper van will deliver and service Zapp vehicles at the location of the customer’s choice.

Swin Chatsuwan, founder and CEO of Zapp, said: “We are incredibly proud of the i300 Carbon Launch Edition. It is our expression of performance and style. With the launch of the new Zapp website, we are upholding our philosophy to make Zapp vehicles ‘easy to buy and easy to own.’ Zapp’s boutiques are relaxed places where customers can discover the product and ownership experiences in a friendly, informative, no-haggling environment. Equally, our new configurator and website have been built on simplicity and transparency for the customer.”

Zapp Paris store

The Paris store is the first of a global network of Zapp stores which will offer customers the opportunity to test ride the i300 , as well as to learn about the product.

As an antidote to the traditional automotive showroom model, Zapp experts will be on hand to introduce the i300 and all of its features and guide the customer through the online configuration and ordering process.

If a customer prefers to order online without visiting a store, they can do so on www.zappev.com. This offers price transparency and freedom of choice across the sales journey.

Zapp Easy to Buy Easy to own

The DSDTC model has been designed to uphold Zapp’s core philosophy of ensuring its vehicles are ‘easy to buy and easy to own’. Every customer will have their i300 delivered to an address of their choice. The bike will be delivered in a Zapper van by a trained Zapper, who will provide a complete handover of the i300.

Any servicing of the i300 will also be performed on-site at a location of the customer’s choice – whether at home, an office or somewhere else – by a Zapper in a Zapper van.

The Zapp i300 electric performance city bike is built around an exoskeleton architecture and powered by an advanced electric motor, enabling it to match the acceleration of high-performance motorcycles in a step-through architecture. The i300’s interior permanent magnet electric motor and carbon fibre belt drive combine to drive acceleration from 0 to 30 mph (48km/h) in just 2.3 seconds and from 0 to 50 mph (97km/h) in 5.0 seconds. 

The post Zapp i300 Carbon Launch Edition of 1000 units only appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

• Zapp’s core philosophy is to make its vehicles ‘easy to buy and easy to own’
• Zapp’s drop-ship-direct-to-customer (DSDTC) platform removes the traditional dealership approach to offer customers more control and choice over how they buy their Zapp vehicle
• Zapp’s agile manufacturing model is designed so that only ordered bikes are built and delivered, as part of its ‘demand-pull’ strategy rather than the ‘wholesale push’ model, to minimize environmental impact

Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited (“Zapp” or the “Company”), a UK-based high-performance two-wheel electric vehicle company, today announced details of its innovative and unique drop-ship-direct-to-customer (“DSDTC”) sales model which offers convenience, flexibility and transparency for all customers.

The platform is designed to ensure Zapp vehicles are ‘easy to buy, easy to own’, from the point of configurating and ordering a vehicle, through the entire duration of ownership. True to this mantra, Zapp’s omnichannel approach offers customers the choice of building and ordering their i300 electric performance city bike online or from one of Zapp’s authorised resellers.

Zapp plans to have a network of both online and physical boutique-style authorised resellers, in addition to its existing online configurator and sales platform on the Zapp website.

At any one of the global network of boutiques, customers can test ride the i300 as well as be aided through the configuration process by trained sales staff. Customers can also configure their bike and pay a deposit online if they prefer. The process is focused on making it simple and enjoyable for the customer.

Zapp’s agile manufacturing model means each i300 is built to order and delivered to customers in a ‘demand pull’ model rather than a ‘wholesale push’ model, which means authorised resellers do not hold stock from Zapp; rather they serve customer demand, offer advice and guidance, and provide test rides. Both the boutique-style authorised resellers and online authorised resellers will be paid a commission by Zapp after the customer receives their bike.

The demand-pull strategy ensures that only bikes that have been ordered are built, reducing materials and energy wastage, which is a key part of Zapp’s commitment to Gen-2 sustainability.

David McIntyre, Chief Commercial Officer at Zapp, said: “Zapp’s sales model has been devised every step of the way to make its vehicles both easy to buy and easy to own. We’re proud to offer a high level of customer convenience, from the point of configuration and purchase all the way through their ownership of the vehicle. Our agile manufacturing model means we can fulfil customer orders quickly and efficiently, which reduces financially wasteful and environmentally harmful wholesale stock build-up.”

Crucially, no matter how the customer opts to select their bike, it is ordered through Zapp’s global sales platform. Zapp implements a global pricing strategy, which offers customers assurance that they are getting the price offered on Zapp’s website. Customers can thereafter avoid having to deal with pushy salespeople or haggling, which many find off-putting in the traditional dealership-based automotive retail model.

As part of Zapp’s DSDTC model, the ZAPP i300 will be delivered to an address of the customer’s choice, wherever is most convenient to them. The bike will be delivered in a “Zapper van” and handed to them by a trained “Zapper” technician, who will provide a full handover of the bike. To increase customer convenience, any ongoing regular servicing of the i300 will also be performed on-site at a location of the customer’s choice – whether at home or an office, or somewhere else – by a Zapper in a Zapper van. Each Zapper van will be equipped with a full toolkit and spare parts inventory.

Zapp’s DSDTC sales model is being rolled out for Zapp’s debut product, the ZAPP i300 – an electric city bike that combines the convenience and agility of a step-through form factor with a high-powered electric motor for performance motorcycle levels of acceleration. This customer-first sales model will underpin each future product released by Zapp.

The post ZAPP i300 drop-ship-direct-to-customer appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

• Zapp’s First Product, the i300 Performance City Bike, with its Carbon Composite Body, Delivers Premium Performance Capabilities to Urban Mobility Riders
• Unique Charging Solution with Ultra-Lightweight (6kg) Portable Battery Pack that can be Charged via any Standard 220v/110v Wall Socket
• Innovative Exoskeleton Architecture Integrates Zapp’s Design DNA, Provides Superior Performance Relative to Powered Two-Wheeler (“P2W”) Peers, Reduces Overall Components and Simplifies Manufacturing Assembly
• Strategic Manufacturing Partnership with Summit Group Already in Place and at Start of Production
• Asset-Light, Capital Efficient Business Model Aims to Achieve Near-Term Positive Free Cash Flow
• Estimated Post-Transaction Enterprise Value of $573 Million with up to $274 Million in Net Cash to Fund Growth Assuming No Redemptions by CIIG II stockholders; No Minimum Cash Condition

CIIG Capital Partners II, Inc. (Nasdaq: CIIG) (“CIIG II”), a U.S. publicly-listed blank check company, and Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited (“Zapp” or the “Company”), a UK-based, high-performance two-wheel electric vehicle company, have entered into a definitive business combination agreement. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company, Zapp Electric Vehicles Group Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company, is expected to list its ordinary shares on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “ZAPP”.

Zapp was founded in 2017 by a group of mobility experts with a vision and commitment to bring high-performance to urban mobility through original, advanced design with an emphasis on safety, quality, customer experience and full-cycle sustainability. Zapp’s first product to enter the market, the i300, has received widespread acclaim and consumer interest for its embodiment of these values.

Unlike other urban electric bikes, the i300 is built around an innovative exoskeleton architecture and is powered by an advanced British-designed electric motor, which enables it to match the acceleration of high-performance motorcycles in a step-through architecture. A lightweight alloy and composite bodywork allow for a slim total weight of just 108 kg (without battery packs). The i300’s interior permanent magnet electric motor and carbon fiber belt drive combine to drive acceleration from 0 to 30 mph (48km/h) in just 2.3 seconds and from 0 to 60 mph (97km/h) in 5.0 seconds.

The i300 utilizes ultra-portable lithium-ion battery packs weighing just 6 kg each. The battery packs can be charged from 20% to 80% via standard 220v/110v wall sockets in under 40 minutes. The portability of the battery packs makes the i300 easy to charge anywhere and at any time without reliance on a public charging network. The i300 is well-positioned to handle the average daily commute for urban drivers.

Zapp expects to implement a high-quality direct-to-customer experience called DSDTC (drop-ship-direct-to-customer). Once a customer places an online order, their selected model will be processed and conveniently delivered directly to their home by “Zappers,” who are independent service agents who perform deliveries in dedicated and purpose-designed plug-in hybrid service vans. Zappers also provide at-home inspection, service and support throughout the life of the vehicle. As part of Zapp’s full-stack e-commerce platform, customers are expected to have access to highly competitive leasing and insurance solutions.

Zapp also uses a Gen-2 sustainability design approach that requires fewer components and assembly steps and bodywork made from composites with green-to-make materials, with substantially all components being recyclable (or in the case of the battery packs, refurbished for a second use at end-of-life).

Zapp Investment Highlights

• Large and Growing ~$130bn Global P2W Market: Strong organic and replacement demand for electrification in largely underpenetrated EV two-wheeler market provides an attractive opportunity for Zapp.
• Innovator in High-Value EV “Urban Motorcycle” Category: Zapp is maximizing the benefits of EV technology through its creation of a new P2W category enabled by its ground-up design for an original and all-new vehicle architecture.
• Portable and Powerful Battery Pack Technology: Zapp’s differentiated approach to battery packs addresses concerns with range anxiety and charging networks as its removable light weight battery packs can be charged via any standard 220v/110v wall sockets.
• Highly Innovative Exoskeleton Architecture: Zapp’s innovative exoskeleton architecture lowers weight and creates simplified, efficient and low-cost assembly.
• Low Capital Requirements Aiming to Achieve Near-Term Positive Free Cash Flow: Zapp has strategic partnerships with major Asian contract manufacturer Summit Group and receivables financing provider EXIM Bank.
• Diversified and Experienced Management: The management team brings together proven entrepreneurs and professionals with deep domain expertise and thought leadership.

“Entering the public markets is an important milestone for Zapp and one we have been diligently working toward since our founding,” said Swin Chatsuwan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zapp. “Combining with CIIG II and becoming a publicly listed company will enable us to scale our business, increase production and fulfill demand for electrification in the largely underpenetrated electric two-wheel market.”

Gavin Cuneo, CIIG II Co-Chief Executive Officer, added: “The two-wheel category is large, growing and highly fragmented. As the world quickly moves toward electric mobility, we expect this segment will be a leader globally. We believe Zapp’s combination of high design with high performance will allow them to capture share and take advantage of this momentum. We look forward to completing our business combination and working with Zapp’s world-class team to help accelerate their mission to revolutionize electric mobility.”

Transaction Overview

The combined company will have an estimated fully-diluted post-transaction enterprise value of $573 million, consisting of an estimated equity value of $852 million, $274 million in new cash to the balance sheet (assuming no redemptions by CIIG II public stockholders), and $5 million in existing cash

Cash proceeds raised will consist of CIIG II’s approximately $294 million cash in trust, net of redemptions. With no minimum cash condition, the cash in the CIIG II trust account is anticipated to support the Company’s growth capital needs, including Zapp’s production, marketing and sales efforts.

It is intended that 100% of existing Zapp shareholders will roll over their equity and, assuming no redemptions and full rollover, own approximately 59% of the pro forma equity of the combined company in connection with the transaction. The business combination has been approved by the boards of directors of both Zapp and CIIG II and is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to stockholder approvals and other customary closing conditions.

For a summary of the material terms of the proposed transaction, as well as a supplemental investor presentation, please see the Current Report on Form 8-K filed today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Additional information about the proposed transaction will be described in CIIG II’s proxy statement relating to the business combination, which it will file with the SEC.

Advisors

SPAC Advisory Partners, a division of Kingswood Capital Partners, is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Zapp Electric Vehicles. Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal advisor to Zapp Electric Vehicles. Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP, and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP are serving as legal advisors to CIIG Capital Partners II. Gateway Group is serving as Global Investor Relations Advisor and Media Relations for North America. Influence Mobility is serving as Global Media Relations for Zapp Electric Vehicles.

Further Information On The Transaction

For further information on the proposed transaction, please visit ciigpartners.com or the investor section of zappev.com.

About CIIG Capital Partners II, Inc

CIIG Capital Partners II, Inc. is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. CIIG II’s units, Class A common stock and warrants trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbols “CIIGU,” “CIIG,” and “CIIGW” respectively.

About Zapp

Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited is a British company – run by a team of experts from the mobility industry – on a mission to redefine the electric two-wheeler segment. Launching its debut product in June 2022, Zapp created the i300 as an urban electric high-performance two-wheeler capable of traditional motorcycle levels of performance in a step-through format, combining ease of use with exhilaration and fun. The i300 is the first in a suite of high-performance electric two-wheelers expected to come to market from Zapp. Zapp is expected to operate a high-quality direct-to-customer (DTC) experience called DSDTC (drop-ship-direct-to-customer). Customers ordering the i300 online will have their bikes conveniently delivered to their home by “Zappers” who provide at-home inspection, service and support throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle.

The post Zapp i300 Performance City Bike available to public appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

• Performance electric motorcycle manufacturer Zapp EV debuts its first model at Goodwood Festival of Speed
• i300 is an electric city bike combining motorcycle levels of acceleration and riding dynamics with a step-through form for the best of both worlds
• 0-30mph in 2.2 seconds and 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds
• Innovative double battery system eradicates range and charging anxiety with 20-80% range topped up in just 40 minutes on domestic socket
• Zapp EV is redefining the electric motorbike segment by using motorsport-inspired materials and build processes for a range of products to come
• i300 is available to order now with prices starting from £5,750*

* Price subject to OLEV PiMG rebate of £500

ZAPP EV i300

Zapp Electric Vehicles (Zapp EV) is set to debut its first model – the i300 high performance electric city bike – at Goodwood Festival of Speed. The first public outing for the i300 will include a run up the iconic Goodwood Hill on June 23rd, where it will showcase the innovative design and motorbike-like levels of performance that set it apart from other electric city bikes.

British company Zapp EV is on a mission to redefine the EV motorcycle segment, the run up the Goodwood hill for the i300 marks the beginning of its exciting journey. The i300 is the first in a suite of high-performance electric motorcycle products to come, each of which are designed and engineered to engage and thrill the rider in their appropriate environment.

Run by a team of experts from the motorbike and automotive industries, for its debut product, the i300, Zapp EV has evaluated what the urban rider needs – then looked at the very best materials and tech – to create something unique for those who don’t want to sacrifice fun on the daily commute or urban ride.

As a result, the i300 boasts motorbike levels of performance but in a step-though silhouette, combining ease of use with exhilaration and thrill.

Unlike other electric city bikes, the i300 is built around a unique exoskeleton architecture and is powered by an advanced British electric motor, which enables it to match the acceleration figures of performance motorcycles. Its lightweight alloy and composite bodywork bring total weight down to just 92kg (without batteries), while its interior permanent magnet (IPM) electric motor and carbon fibre belt drive accelerate the i300 to 30mph in 2.2s and onto its L3e-A2 limited top speed of 60mph in 4.8s.

With 14kW of peak power and a breath-taking 587Nm of torque at the rear wheel, the i300 offers best-in-class performance. Redefining how a city bike should look and ride, the i300 features pre-load and rebound adjustable pushrod rear suspension via a single-sided rear swing arm, upside-down front forks, full floating cross drilled front disk, four-piston radial mounted caliper, dual-channel ABS, and ultra-low-profile tyres.

ZAPP EV i300 No Range issues

Zapp EV didn’t set out just to make the best-riding electric city bike, it has also addressed the issues of range and charging anxiety experienced by would-be EV owners by developing an innovative double battery system. Fitted as standard on all i300 models are two attractive, easily accessible, ultra-compact portable premium LiNMC battery packs.

Weighing just 6kg each and offering a range of 60km*, they can be charged 20-80% via any standard 110/240v domestic socket in under 40 minutes, negating the need to seek out public charge points. With the average European city commute being less than 20kms a day round trip, the i300 is perfect for the urban warrior. Additional battery packs, home chargers and travel chargers are also available for purchase.

*based on WMTC

Zapp EV CEO Swin Chatsuwan said: “The Zapp EV i300 isn’t just another electric commuter, it’s a high-performance city bike designed to satisfy the needs of both serious motorcyclists and new riders alike. It is not only high-technology but also accessible and great value-for-money.

“It’s been an incredible journey to date, from the initial concepts of what a performance city bike could be right through to selecting and designing every component. To be able to showcase the finished bike here at Goodwood is an amazing opportunity for an emerging British company like ours and I’m really excited for everyone to see our bike up close.”

Zapp EV offers a wide range of personalisation options for i300. This year, six iconic British colours are offered for the front fender and three seat colours. These are also uniquely swappable. Other premium options include: diamond cut alloy wheels, other wheel colours, and other industry firsts: bodywork in NONA-carbon composite, NONA-natural composite, ocean recycled plastic; modular-interchangeable under-seat storage, and a range of other on-vehicle options and matching personal accessories. Altogether, with more than 2.5 million possible combinations, the i300 has been designed to embrace customer individuality.

The i300 can be purchased directly through Zapp EV’s e-commerce platform: zappev.com, with four versions to choose from:

• i300 Carbon Launch Edition (nona-carbon composite bodywork, from £7,995)
• i300 Carbon (nona-carbon composite bodywork, from £6,995)
• i300 Bio (nona-natural composite bodywork, from £6,995)
• i300 Ocean (ocean recycled plastic, from £5,750)

ZAPP EV i300 Purchase

Zapp EV operates an advanced direct-to-customer (DTC) experience called DSDTC (Drop-ship-direct-to-customer): once a customer orders their i300 online, it is then conveniently delivered directly to their home by “Zappers” in dedicated and liveried green plug-in hybrid (PHEV) service vans. Zappers also provide at-home inspection and support throughout vehicle ownership.

As part of Zapp EV’s full-stack e-commerce platform, customers will have access to highly competitive leasing and insurance solutions on a one-stop-shop basis, providing access to i300’s from as little as £99 per month and with a low deposit.

In addition to its appearance at Goodwood Festival of Speed, Zapp EV will soon announce dates where prospective customers can get up close to the i300, and book test rides at standalone boutiques and pop-up stores in London, New York, Paris, Milan, Seoul and Bangkok

The post Zapp EV – ZAPP i300 electric bike at Goodwood appeared first on Eco Car Guide.